Northern NSW Local Health DistrictNorthern NSW Local Health Districthttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Northern NSW Public HealthWed, 20 Mar 2019 00:47:07 +0000en-AUhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3NSW Caretaker Period has commencedhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/03/01/nsw-caretaker-period-has-commenced/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/03/01/nsw-caretaker-period-has-commenced/#respondThu, 28 Feb 2019 21:37:29 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18140The caretaker period for the NSW Election commences on 1 March 2019. Accordingly, no ministerial press releases or related information issued by the Government from 1 March 2019 will be available on this website.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/27/expression-of-interest-for-coraki-conference-centre-property/feed/0Let’s talk about mental health!https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/21/lets-talk-about-mental-health/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/21/lets-talk-about-mental-health/#respondWed, 20 Feb 2019 23:34:56 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18055Join us for a special community mental health forum that explores one family's journey living with mental illness.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/21/lets-talk-about-mental-health/feed/0Mental Health support for fire affected communitieshttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/20/mental-health-support-for-fire-affected-communities/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/20/mental-health-support-for-fire-affected-communities/#respondTue, 19 Feb 2019 23:11:01 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18041Mental health services and support is available for individuals and communities affected by the recent bushfires in Northern NSW.

]]>Mental health services and support is available for individuals and communities affected by the recent bushfires in Northern NSW.

Rural Adversity in Mental Health Program (RAMHP) mental health nurse, Steve Carrigg, said people can be at an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression after a traumatic event, but help is available.

“Following any disaster, it is normal for people to feel overwhelmed, worry a lot more than usual, have trouble concentrating and making decisions, and become tearful,” Steve said.

“People may also have trouble with sleep, bad dreams and may experience a loss of appetite. They may start to question their own decisions during and after the event, which is all normal behaviour.

“By knowing what emotional responses to expect, and how to look after your own mental health and support loved ones, you can reduce the risk of developing mental health issues in the aftermath of a traumatic event.”

When these feelings and emotions last more than a few weeks, or people stop doing things they’d usually be doing, that’s where mental health professionals can assist.

To reduce the likelihood of ongoing issues after a disaster, spending time with people who care and are willing to listen is one of the best things you can do.

“Talk about what happened and how it has affected you, talk to others about the ups and downs of your recovery experience to people you trust,” Steve said.

“Try to keep to your usual routines and activities as much as possible. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, eat healthy foods even if your appetite isn’t great and try to get into a regular exercise routine as well.

“Disaster recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Go easy on yourself, and know that it’s OK to cry.”

If you or your loved ones are experiencing feelings which are more extreme than usual, help is available.

At the drop in centre at Tabulam Town Hall, people can speak to Disaster Welfare, Red Cross, RAMHP staff or Chaplains.

You can also make an appointment with your General Practitioner, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224636, or visit the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program website at www.ramhp.com.au. Resources are also available to help children who have experienced a traumatic event.

For information about Mental Health services within the Northern NSW Local Health District, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

]]>Two Grafton-based doctors are bringing the latest knowledge and expertise to the Emergency Department after completing advanced training in emergency medicine.

Doctors Rakash Goyal and Bazel Lodhi have successfully completed the Emergency Medical Certificate (EMC) through the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).

While working full-time at Grafton Base Hospital Emergency Department, the two doctors undertook 12 months of study and sat their final exams in late 2018, both achieving excellent results.

“Although it can be a juggle managing life, work and study, the knowledge gained from this course has really sparked my confidence as an Emergency physician,” Dr Lodhi said.

This qualification equips doctors with additional knowledge in handling Emergency presentations, enabling them to provide safe patient care in a time pressured environment.

Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital are both Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET) sites, and there are plans to support other medical staff through the program.

Grafton Base Hospital is about to undergo a $17.5 million upgrade, with work on the Ambulatory Care Centre scheduled to begin within weeks, following the recent announcement of the main contract being awarded.

The project includes a new two storey building, under croft loading dock, links to the existing hospital campus and public drop off zone.

]]>New nursing and midwifery graduates have started their careers in Grafton and Maclean, with Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, personally welcoming them to the area today.

Mr Gulaptis congratulated the 14 new nurses and one new midwife who have joined the region.

“Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of the public health system and I am delighted to welcome to the Clarence Valley,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“It is an exciting time to work at Grafton Base Hospital with the Nationals in Government’s $17.5 million upgrade to the facility about to get underway.”

Mr Gulaptis said communities across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys would benefit from a $2.8billion announcement by the NSW Government to recruit 8300 additional nurses, doctors and allied health staff over the next four years.

“Around the clock, 365 days a year, our health professionals are on the frontline of the NSW health system providing the best standard of patient care and this latest announcement will ensure there is more staff on the ground to deliver even better services.

“I wish all our new starters the best of luck with their careers and again welcome the invaluable contribution they make to our health system,” Mr Gulaptis said.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/18/new-nursing-and-midwifery-graduates-welcomed-in-grafton/feed/0Healthy Town Challenge launch at Kyogle Bazaarhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/14/healthy-town-challenge-launch-at-kyogle-bazaar/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/14/healthy-town-challenge-launch-at-kyogle-bazaar/#respondThu, 14 Feb 2019 00:56:19 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=17909Kyogle has been selected as one of five rural NSW towns to compete in the 2019 Healthy Town Challenge.

As part of the challenge, Kyogle has been granted $15,000 to put towards healthy eating and physical activity resources and projects.

Jillian Adams, Health Promotion Manager for Northern NSW Local Health District said residents are invited to join the launch of the Healthy Town Challenge.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Kyogle locals to come up with their own ideas for projects for a more active, healthier community,” Ms Adams said.

“There will be free food, music, and fun activities. We’re encouraging members of the community to come along and have their say on the healthy projects they would like to see in Kyogle in the future.

“These community projects will be supported by health promotion officers, Kyogle Council and other organisations and local groups.”

Ideas put forward so far include youth cooking sessions, travel throughout the community, free coaching sessions at the outdoor gym equipment, improving the use of the Active Kids vouchers and planting more trees.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/14/healthy-town-challenge-launch-at-kyogle-bazaar/feed/0Five new sets of wheels for Byron Central Hospitalhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/five-new-sets-of-wheels-for-byron-central-hospital/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/five-new-sets-of-wheels-for-byron-central-hospital/#respondTue, 05 Feb 2019 01:02:58 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=17880Five new wheelchairs have been donated to Byron Central Hospital - a gift that staff say will help keep the wheels turning.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/five-new-sets-of-wheels-for-byron-central-hospital/feed/0Mental health the focus for newly qualified staffhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/mental-health-the-focus-for-newly-qualified-staff/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/mental-health-the-focus-for-newly-qualified-staff/#respondMon, 04 Feb 2019 22:44:15 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=17872The arrival of new specialist nurses is set to further improve mental health care in the Northern Rivers and across NSW.

]]>The arrival of new specialist nurses is set to further improve mental health care in the Northern Rivers and across NSW.

Six new graduates have just completed a tailored mental health program in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

Already half the graduates have new jobs in full-time mental health roles across the district. The remaining 3 are taking their new skills to the Emergency Department at Lismore Base and other hospitals.

The Transition to Mental Health Nursing Program (TMHNP) has produced 38 graduates since 2012, all with the skills and knowledge to excel in a career in mental health.

“This year’s graduates are so impressive, they are so enthusiastic and are committed to making a positive difference to the mental health of our patients.”

The six people selected for the program each year share clinical rotations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Kamala), Community Mental Health, Adult Mental Health (Tallowwood), and Older Persons Mental Health (Lilli Pilli).

“We also factor in a fortnightly education session incorporating senior clinicians across the Network presenting information on a wide variety of topics,” said Mr Rooney.

“These include subjects such as evidence-based practice and research, psychoanalytic theories, and mental state exams, to name a few.”

Over the course of the 12-month program, the TMHNP participants also complete academic studies at a high level, allowing participants to apply for advance standing in post-graduate nursing studies at Southern Cross University.

The TMHNP program is currently in Tweed Heads and Lismore, with plans to expand to the Grafton Mental Health Service this year.

In 2018/19, the NSW Government is investing $100 million per annum over four years to strengthen early intervention and specialist community mental health teams, enhance psychosocial supports, and transition long-stay patients into the community.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/02/05/mental-health-the-focus-for-newly-qualified-staff/feed/0New intern doctors welcomedhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/01/31/new-intern-doctors-welcomed-at-tweed/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/01/31/new-intern-doctors-welcomed-at-tweed/#respondWed, 30 Jan 2019 22:49:10 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=17855NSW has 1021 intern positions this intake, more than any other state or territory, 18 of them were welcomed at Tweed.

]]>New doctors have started in hospitals and health services across New South Wales, with 18 of the new interns starting their one-year internship at The Tweed Hospital.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest welcomed the interns at The Tweed Hospital.

“Interns are a vital part of the professional team at the frontline of the health system,” Mr Provest said.

“We are very happy to greet this new team of enthusiastic and talented doctors who want to make a difference, and will develop their skills in the public health system. “

NSW has 1021 intern positions this intake, more than any other state or territory

Further south, Member for Lismore Thomas George welcomed interns to Lismore Bas Hospital.

“I welcome the fourteen doctors who have started their internships at our world class Lismore Base Hospital, alongside the eighteen who have begun placement at the Tweed Hospital.

Thomas George with interns at Lismore Base Hospital

One of the upcoming star-doctors is already a star on the oval, Dr Georgia Redmayne is a talented cricketer, having most recently played in the Women’s Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes. Originally from Alstonville, Georgina is one of a number of doctors from regional NSW who are passionate about the delivery of health services in rural Australia.

During their one-year internship, the graduates will complete compulsory terms in the specialties of medicine, surgery and emergency as required by the Medical Board of Australia. The second year of post-graduate experience focusses on consolidating professional practice and experience in different clinical settings.

The interns will rotate through a network of metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as GP practices.

The 2018/19 State Budget has added 1,370 health staff, including 300 medical practitioners, 950 nurses and midwives and 120 allied health professionals – resulting in a record frontline clinical and clinical support staff of over 105,000 people.